Logistics
Q – How do I fly into Ecuador?
A – Travelers to Ecuador from the U.S. can choose from a number of U.S. and Latin American airlines. These are American Airlines, Avianca, Continental Airlines, COPA, Delta Airlines, LAN,
Mexicana and TACA. European carriers, Iberia, KLM, Air Madrid and Air Europa flight daily from Amsterdam and Madrid to Quito and Guayaquil. Non-stop flights depart from New York, Miami, Madrid and most
Latin-American capitals.
Ecuador’s national airline, TAME offers good service between all major cities in Ecuador, operating numerous daily flights between Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil as well as serving the Galapagos Islands. Other
national airlines include Icaro, Aerogal, and Saereo which offer flights to several cities and towns along the Coast and the Andes, as well as the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. LAN also now operates throughout
Ecuador.
Q – I want to come to Cuenca. Where is it best to fly to, Quito or Guayaquil?
A – This depends on what other travel you are deciding to do whilst in Ecuador. If you are interested in spending some time anywhere on the coast, then fly into Guayaquil and then come to Cuenca
via bus or taxi. However, if you want to see Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi and/or Ibarra, then naturally fly into Quito instead and later come to Cuenca via either domestic flight, bus or taxi.
Q – What can I expect when I arrive at the airport in Ecuador?
A – You will arrive into Quito or Guayaquil International Airports, each having modern terminals and baggage claim areas. After you pass through Ecuadorian Customs, it‘s easy to
get a taxi inside the airport, as there’s no need to take a taxi outside of either airport‘s “Arrivals” (pick up) area. Naturally as with any Airport, simply be sure to keep your personal belongings close to
you or on your person at arrival and departure, whether you’re exiting the Airport or if you‘re staying in the Airport waiting to take a domestic flight to another final destination city in Ecuador.
Q – How do I get to Cuenca from Quito or Guayaquil?
A – You can take a domestic flight from either Quito or Guayaquil to Cuenca, or alternatively (often preferably) you can also take a bus or taxi (specifically at that for the relatively short
trip from Guayaquil to Cuenca).
Q – How do I get to Cuenca from Guayaquil?
A – There are a few options. You can take any of the domestic flights via Lan, Aerogal or Tame, or you could take a Mini-Van (3 or more hours of scenic driving to Cuenca) or hire a private driver.
A Mini Van is $12 per person and a private driver that is both English speaking and reliable is usually around $140.
From Quito, I would suggest a domestic flight, but you can also take a bus or taxi, which is usually around a 6-8 hour drive, naturally depending on traffic conditions.
Q – Where do I stay in Guayaquil?
A – There are many places you can stay at in Guayaquil, but one that I do recommend is the Hampton Inn. If you book online in advance, you can pick up some great deals. Also, I like that they
have a free shuttle bus from Guayaquil Airport to the hotel, as then you also don’t need to worry about a taxi. Of course you can Google and find your own accommodation, including in Quito and Cuenca as well
– I’ll be glad to give you a specific recommendation for Quito or Cuenca based on your specific plans/desires, if you send me an email requesting that specifically.
Q – Transportation on Land throughout Ecuador?
A – As most roads are paved, buses are fast becoming a popular and convenient means of transportation. In addition, since the country’s main attractions
are within a day of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, bus transportation can be the most inexpensive option for travelers on a budget. Most bus companies have modern,
air-conditioned buses. Clients should be advised to travel by day, since there’s less risk of an accident. Because Ecuador is small and has a good network of roads
and highways, ground travel within the country is easy and quick, well most of the time.
In Ecuador, taxis are safe as well as readily available, inexpensive (a 10 minutes ride will cost no more than US$ 3.00) and mostly clean. They are all wired with
radio frequencies and might be called by phone from hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are courteous and many will speak at least a few words in English.
This mode of transportation is an excellent option when visiting main cities and towns.
When in a city like Cuenca you can even get to know the taxi driver and get his number if he works your area. They are happy to come and pick you up from your residence.
Trains in Ecuador are more of an attraction than an efficient mean of transportation. The most popular journey is from Riobamba to Devil’s Nose, where the train climbs
through a very narrow path to the top of a cliff and then descends a steep slope zigzagging back and forth-a truly hair raising experience.
Driving in Ecuador is also a good option in tourist areas. Outside less frequented parts of the countries drivers can get lost since the road signage is not that
adequate. When renting a car, drivers should closely follow a road map. Major car rental companies with offices at the Quito and/or Guayaquil international airports
are Avis, Budget and Hertz.
Q – What about Travel Insurance?
A – It’s recommended to buy Travel Insurance (usually offered at a low additional cost with any flight purchased on the internet) in order to avoid cancellation fees in the case of being ill or some
other covered occurrence takes place. Health Insurance which covers you in Ecuador at any time or as part of/in addition to your Travel Insurance is also recommended (though NOT at all mandatory) for medical reasons.
Q – Can I bring my pet into Ecuador?
A – Yes you can. Of course, there are certain requirements that you will need to get done, such as vaccinations for your pet, etc..Depending on which country you’re coming to Ecuador from, you may
need to consult your Airline that you will be traveling with, besides your pet’s Veterinarian and your Ecuadorian Immigration Attorney.
Q – Can I bring my car?
A – With respect to importing a vehicle into Ecuador, only “returning Ecuadorian Citizens” who had/have been outside of Ecuador for at least 2 consecutive years. That being said though, please
note that public transportation in Ecuador is very inexpensive and actually a high percentage Expats prefer to walk from place to place in most any Ecuadorian city/town, because of the very intelligently designed
roads and sidewalks in the vast majority of Ecuador these days.
Q – Can I bring a container of household items?
A – Once you have become a resident there is a generally a 6 month period of time thereafter that you are allowed to bring in a Container, Lift Van or
Pallet of your household goods (i.e. appliances, electronics, furniture, etc.). Contact us for information and referrals.
Q – Is it easy to get around Cuenca?
A – Yes, you can walk to most places in Cuenca, as it’s a very walking friendly city. A cab to most areas around the city is around $2. The most you
may ever pay is a maximum of say $4. Buses and the Tranvia (train) in Cuenca are each well under 50 cents.
When using Taxis--street addresses are not as useful as they are in North America. If your destination is not a well-known landmark, it is often best
to provide the nearest street intersection (e.g. "Calle Larga y Benigno Malo") or show the distination on a map (e.g., Google Maps). Also, there is a "minimum fare",
for very short rides you may need to pay a bit more than shown on the meter.
Q – Is there a good bus route in Cuenca?
A – Yes, the bus routes are excellent in Cuenca, at again generally less than 50 cents per trip. A great website to check out Cuenca’s bus routes in 100% English is found
here.